2012 bosses 'deplorable' at buying British, says business champion
The nation's business ambassador, Digby Jones, has attacked Olympic chiefs for their "deplorable" record on buying British.
Lord Jones, who works for government agency UK Trade and Investment, spoke out after it emerged that almost 90 per cent of London 2012 merchandise is produced abroad.
Of the 446 items for sale on the Olympic website, 67 per cent were made in China and 18 per cent in Turkey. Only eight per cent were made here. Merchandise is expected to raise £1 billion towards the cost of the Games.
Lord Jones said: "I think it is deplorable. We make medals incredibly well. I cannot understand why from day one the Government did not say UK cities will tender to do the medals. Instead we've to put it to global tender, and the company in China might get it. There's no way Sydney, Athens or Beijing would have done that."
Games organiser Locog said many contracts went to UK-registered firms who manufactured in low-wage countries. For example, British-based Golden Bear makes Games mascots in China.
Locog said: "London 2012 has awarded contracts worth £5 billion. We are very proud 98 per cent have gone to British companies. Ninety per cent of firms who make the official products are British. The 10 per cent which are not have UK offices."
